Chief Jerry Burke Recognition Award
IFCA Jerry Burke Recognition Award
This award was created in 2021 and named after one of Illinois Fire Chiefs Associations Leaders, Chief Jerry Burke.
Jerry was Fire Chief in Skokie and then served the association for nineteen years as Executive Director. His dedication, guidance and calming demeanor set the foundation for our association and helped to shape the IFCA to what it is today. Jerry was man who understood that asking for your help and simply saying thank you went a long way – just ask many who said yes and did it with an honor and respect for the man. The individual who is awarded this recognition in name of Jerry is one that must exhibit an enthusiasm for the fire service, his fellow man and simply wants to give back at many levels.
The criteria for this award is a nomination brought to the Presidents who exemplifies the fire service motto of selfless service, giving back and in return a smile. This award looks at a person’s journey and the mark they left, who they helped leaving you with the comment ‘That’s the guy I want to be like”. The Award is meant for that person that has gone the extra mile for the Fire Service. The person who lives to help and mentor others. A person who does not ask what’s in it for them. Anyone can be eligible for this award. There is not a specific list of qualifiers or criteria to achieve. The nomination is presented to the IFCA Presidents and after review and consultation if they see fit passes, it along to the Past Presidents Advisory committee for review and decision whether they deserve the award. This award was not created to become an annual award.
Chief Jerry Burke Recognition Award Recipients
Chief Edward Enright - Chicago FD - Initial Recipient - 2021
Chief Eddy Enright, aka "EE", is the initial recipient of the Jerry Burke recognition. Chief Enright spent his career with the Chicago Fire Department but also used the knowledge and life lessons he gained to teach firefighters - keeping them safe on the job. He is the walking manafestation of DUTY, PRIDE, TRADITION and he is to be honored as a man who has that as his foundation. A man who is a mentor, a true professional, humble and just a giant of a personality that professes DPT always. A man who believes in finding the good in people his team, tell the team what they did well and now let’s improve.
A Viet Nam Combat Veteran, third generation Chicago firefighter, lead instructor at IFSI and a man who will tell you the only things that still fits after his tour of duty with the US Army is his socks.
Chief Robert Buhs - Orland Park FPD, IFCA Executive Director - Recipient 2022
Robert M. Buhs began with the Orland Fire District in 1973 as a Volunteer Firefighter and was appointed as Chief Administrator in 1988 and again in 1999, when he served until 2004. Chief Buhs served as the President of the IL Fire Chiefs Association in 1996 and as the Executive Director from 2003 until 2013. As the Executive Director of the IFCA, Bob was influential in bringing the organization to the highly regarded position it enjoys to this day. He saw the benefits of being involved - or maybe the problem with not being involved - in the legislative process both in Springfield and Washington DC. The legislative efforts that Bob championed have had an long lasting impact on the fire service in Illinois.
His knowledge and direction is valued and respected throughout the fire service. He continues his involvement through teaching and mentoring the future fire service leaders.
Maureen Griseto - IFCA Administrative Assistant - Recipient 2023
Maureen Burke Griseto has been the Administrative Assistant for the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association for 34 years, but she has been part of the IFCA for longer than that. Her father – the namesake of this award – brought her into the Association long before that. No one truly knows all that Maureen has done for this organization. Maureen is a person who lives and breathes this Association's values while ensuring the long-term vitality of the Mission. Here are some of the statements from those who have worked with her: “the lifeblood of the IFCA”, “thoughtful, intelligent and focused”, “strong work ethic”, “exceptional level of attention to detail”, “gatekeeper to our history”, “reliable, resourceful, and resilient”, “talent”, “unquestionable dedication to the Association”, but even all this seems like an understatement. This award is a true testament of the mark you have left on the IFCA and how much you are respected by all.
This Award is meant for that person who has gone the extra mile for the Fire Service. The person who lives to help and mentor others. A person who does not ask what’s in it for them. That is Maureen...
Chief James Grady III - Frankfort FPD, IFCA Executive Director - Recipient 2024
The majority of the members of the IFCA are familiar with Chief Jim Grady's stellar career in the fire service. Jim has touched firefighters on the local, state and national level as a teacher, speaker and consultant and friend for over four decades. He also had significant contributions as an IFCA Educational and Research Foundation Board Member, IFCA Executive Board Member, and President, and then certainly his amazing contributions in taking over the reins as Executive Director. Chief Grady went from a grocery store manager to one of the most respected and beloved Fire Chiefs we know. He not only enhanced the name of the Illinois Fire Chiefs with his time, dedication, passion, and personal integrity he was a role model and mentor for so many members of our organization. His love of his family, his faith and his country are not notes at the bottom of an email signature but rather his way of life.
Chief Grady holds Chief Burke in such high esteem that he can be heard to echo Chief Burke’s tone when he wanted to talk to you about something serious: “James my man…”.